Resources - Instruments and instrument makers

Below is a list of instruments and instrument makers who have created new, or adapted existing, instruments suitable for physically disabled players who do not have two fully functioning upper limbs. Some of these instruments are available to purchase immediately and begin making music, others are bespoke instruments created for one person and specific to their disability. Where we have listed a bespoke instrument, we have included contact details for the maker so you can discuss the process of adapting an instrument for your specific needs. If you know of an instrument, or instrument maker that should be on our list, do get in touch via email.

Playable Instruments

These instruments, while they may not meet the strict OHMI Competition criteria, may be of interest to those with a variety of physical disabilities:

Amorea Flute – A simple wooden instrument based on the Native American flute but played entirely with one-hand. The Amorea Flute is available to buy directly from www.amoreaflutes.com

Borzillire Saxophone – This left handed saxophone was created by Brian Russell for a stroke sufferer. Brian is based in Wisconsin, US and has much experience customising woodwind instruments. www.russellwinds.com

Eigenharp Pico with clamp- An electronic instrument that lends itself to being played by people with a range of different skills, including those who have functional use of one arm alone. Utilising MERU’s 'Flexzi' system, the Pico can be mounted and held in many different functional positions. The Eigenharp Pico can be purchased directly from www.eigenlabs.com

Jamboxx – A Concept winner in 2014. The instrument simulates several different kinds of instrument. The Jamboxx is operated by breath control and can be used in a hands-free mode. It is regularly used by a number of quadriplegic players. You can buy the Jamboxx directly from www.jamboxx.com

Maarten Visser has created a number of adaptations of woodwind instruments for upper limb differences (including one-handed instruments, and adaptations for players with missing fingers). His company Flutelab is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Maarten’s one-handed flute was a Playable winner in our 2014 competition. He has also created one-handed versions of the tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, with the necessary shoulder support system. Go to www.flutelab.com or contact him via info(at)flutelab.com

Magic Flute – An electronic wind instrument that is played without the use of the hands. The instrument is created by the My Breath My Music Foundation in the Netherlands, who work with sufferers of Muscular Dystrophy.www.mybreathmymusic.com

​Ocarina - A woodwind instrument that fits into the palm of your hand. The Ocarina Workshop have repositioned the four finger holes so that it is playable with one hand. A fantastic starter instrument in bright colours that is used in many primary schools across the UK. http://shop.ocarina.co.uk/extras/1-hand​The Skoog – A simple electronic instrument that reads your gestures; touching, pressing, squeezing and tapping the instrument produces sounds. The Skoog is available to buy worldwide, and can be found in some Apple stores. Check the website for stockists. www.skoogmusic.com

Soundbeam – A Concept winner in 2013. This touch free device uses sensors to translate body movements into sound and has been used by players with profound physical disabilities. The Soundbeam project is based in Bristol but the instrument is available worldwide. www.soundbeam.co.uk

You Rock Guitar – A Concept winner in 2014, this electronic instrument in the shape of a guitar is capable of various sound outputs. Playing in TAP mode means you can use the instrument like a keyboard, one-handed. The You Rock Guitar is used by disability organisation TERI, Inc and Warrior Cry, who work with veterans. Go to the website for stockist information.www.yourockguitar.com

Enabling Apparatus

Please see here for previous winners of the OHMI Competition. This equipment, while not meeting the strict OHMI competition criteria may also be of interest to those without the use of one hand/arm:

Ergobrass – Fully adjustable support systems for trombone and trumpet. Go to the website for stockist information www.ergobrass.com

Non-Slip Drumsticks – Shawn Wells is a drummer from West Virginia who lives with Arthogryposis. He had a constant struggle firmly holding a drumstick. Shawn created the Non-Slip Drumstick to tackle this difficulty and has made it available to buy for people with similar challenges. www.candomusos.com

Power Music Software - Cambron Software have a range of programmes for different devices to enable you to solve the problem of how to hold an instrument and turn the page with one hand. Once your music is in a digital format you can then use a foot pedal to control the page forwards and backwards. https://cambronsoftware.co.uk/power-music

RoboTar – Attaches to any standard sized acoustic or electric guitar and helps you play guitar with one hand. Use software to set up any chord and build songs. Use a foot pedal to cycle through chords strumming or fingerpicking at your own tempo and changing to the next chord by pressing a foot pedal. Available to buy directly from www.robo-tar.com

Shulman system – A support mechanism for the trumpet created by musician Matt Shulman. The apparatus is no longer on the market, but second hand systems sometimes crop up on brass forums and eBay. The support system takes most of the weight of the instrument.

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